Tegan and Sara Drama ‘High School,’ From Director Clea DuVall, Is the ‘My So-Called Life’ of Queer Teen Dreams: TV Review
variety.comCaroline Framke Chief TV Critic If you’re someone of a certain (gay) persuasion, all I have to say about “High School” to pique your interest is that it’s a) a new coming-of-age drama about twin musicians Tegan and Sara Quin that’s b) based on Tegan and Sara’s own memoir, c) co-stars Cobie Smulders as their mother and d) was created in large part by no other than Clea DuVall, whose performance in “But I’m a Cheerleader” among many other credits has long made her the subject of many a queer awakening.
Whether these points immediately intrigue you or not, though, you should also know that the show is also great. You don’t have to know who Tegan and Sara are to appreciate their story, which explores loneliness, connection and longing with such palpable empathy.
Starring newcomers Railey and Seazynn Gililand as Tegan and Sara, respectively, “High School” opens in late ’90s Calgary months before the twins discover their musical talents, let alone that they’ll soon make an unusually good songwriting team.
In fact, they’re barely even friends in the pilot, which follows their first day at a new high school by emphasizing the divide between them.
